COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 22 Ohio State women’s gymnastics team opened its 2018 season with a 196.250-193.200 loss to No. 6 UCLA Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion.

“Tonight was a case of nerves and a young team that gained some valuable experience,” said first-year head coach Meredith Paulicivic. “We will learn a lot from this and definitely didn’t show the gymnastics we are capable of doing. We need to get back in the gym, focus on the mental part and regroup. I also think we have to get some meets under our belt with this young team.”

The Buckeyes began the night on the uneven bars, posting a 47.275. Alexis Mattern topped the team and tied for third with a 9.825.

In the second rotation, Ohio State moved to vault, where it scored 48.750 to win the event. Olivia Aepli stuck her landing and tied for second on a 9.825 mark.

The Buckeyes did not disappoint with their new choreography during floor exercise as they posted a 48.950. Mattern found herself caught up in a three-way tie for first with a pair of Bruins thanks to a 9.900.